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Overview

Hunter Education

Who Needs a Hunter Education Card?

Anyone born after 1968 must complete a hunter education course and carry a valid hunter education card to hunt in Arkansas. Children under 16 may hunt without hunter education as long as they are under the direct supervision of an adult who is 21 years old or older. There is no specific age requirement to enroll in hunter education. However, the educational material is based on a sixth-grade reading level. Arkansas recognizes hunter education cards from other states. Arkansas’s hunter education program is recognized in all states, as well as in Canada and Mexico.

Free Instructor-Led Hunter Education

The traditional and preferred hunter education method is through a 10-hour, instructor-led classroom and hands-on demonstration. Classes may be a few hours a night for three to four nights or a full Saturday. The final class ends with a test to pass the course.

Sign Up for Hunter Education Online

Take this Arkansas–approved course to complete your online hunter safety education. Hunter-ed.com is a delegated provider for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

Deferred Hunter Education Code (DHE)

A free Deferred Hunter Education Code (DHE) can take the place of the hunter education requirement for hunters 16 and older. The code is available at any license purchasing agent, by phone or online:

  • The hunter must possess a valid Arkansas hunting license while hunting.
  • The hunter must be in the direct supervision of a licensed hunter at least 21 years old who is either certified in hunter education or was born on or before Dec. 31, 1968.
  • The hunter may not have been convicted or forfeited bond for prior hunter education certification violations or other AGFC-sanctioned hunting privilege revocations.

Bowhunter Education Classes

The International Bowhunter Education Program is administered in Arkansas by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Hunter Education Division. The IBEP card is good for life and is recognized internationally. Hunters may attend a free, one-day, instructor-led course or take an online course for $30. Either method requires a field day which must be taken with a certified instructor.

Find a free instructor-led course

Scheduled as needed with most occurring in late summer


Hunter Ed Card Replacement

If you would like to become a Hunter Education instructor, please reach out to one of the staff members below.

Aimee Swaim

Interim Archery in the Schools Coordinator

Phone 501-246-1495

Joe Huggins

Hunter/Boater Education Coordinator

Phone 501-382-3875